Tag: UFC 144

UFC 144 Results: Benson Henderson Is the Future of the UFC Lightweight Division

Just over a year ago, Benson Henderson was on the wrong side of a unanimous decision that saw Anthony Pettis crowned as WEC lightweight champion, having fans singing his praises and leaving Henderson to begin his climb back to a title shot.And at UFC 1…

Just over a year ago, Benson Henderson was on the wrong side of a unanimous decision that saw Anthony Pettis crowned as WEC lightweight champion, having fans singing his praises and leaving Henderson to begin his climb back to a title shot.

And at UFC 144, Henderson had reclaimed his position at the top of the 155-pound division, defeating Frankie Edgar in a classic five-round bout to become UFC lightweight champion.

Henderson was very dependent on utilizing his superior size and strength on Edgar, out-striking his opponent at certain points and landing the more damaging shots. Near the end of the second round, Henderson landed a devastating up-kick that floored the champion and was nearly finished before the bell sounded.

At the end of the bout, fans were undecided as to who won, as either competitor had a legitimate case to be declared the winner. But in the end, Henderson stood alone as the best 155-pound fighter on the planet.

Henderson now finds himself as public enemy in a talent-rich pool of contenders, but he is determined and willing to face all challengers.

Blessed with freakish athleticism and charisma, Henderson has all the tools to remain champion for a while. Since his loss to Pettis, the 28-year-old has obliterated the competition. He has now defeated three of the division’s top contenders in impressive fashion and he appears to be only getting better with each fight. 

Displaying such a tenacious and reckless style, Henderson also poses such a calm demeanor in the fight, showing a mental toughness that is seemingly unbreakable.

Now, with the lightweight title firmly around his waist, Henderson will begin his reign as champion and prepare to put together a string of title defenses reminiscent of his tenure in the WEC. And if history tells us anything, Henderson might hold onto that title for the foreseeable future.

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UFC 144 Aftermath Part I: Playing to the Crowd

If you’re only going to do one thing, make sure you do it well. (Photo: Getty Images/UFC.com)

It would be an understatement to call the UFC’s return to Japan triumphant. We could point to the bevy of exciting finishes as proof enough, but last night’s action seemed to go beyond that. More important to the evening’s success was the way the competitors fought. Surrounded by fans that appreciate the “bushido spirit” above all else, the fighters let it all hang out and battled their way through adversity. The Japanese prefer an entertaining performance over a cautious victory, and from the opening bout to the final bell of the evening, they got their money’s worth.

The final four combatants weren’t able to match the undercard’s highlight-reel stoppages, but the fighters knew the stakes and, to the best of their abilities, showed up to wow the fans.

If you’re only going to do one thing, make sure you do it well. (Photo: Getty Images/UFC.com)

It would be an understatement to call the UFC’s return to Japan triumphant. We could point to the bevy of exciting finishes as proof enough, but last night’s action seemed to go beyond that. More important to the evening’s success was the way the competitors fought. Surrounded by fans that appreciate the “bushido spirit” above all else, the fighters let it all hang out and battled their way through adversity. The Japanese prefer an entertaining performance over a cautious victory, and from the opening bout to the final bell of the evening, they got their money’s worth.

The final four combatants weren’t able to match the undercard’s highlight-reel stoppages, but the fighters knew the stakes and, to the best of their abilities, showed up to wow the fans.

Quinton Jackson’s hopes to turn back the clock and revive his fan-focused style in Japan faded as quickly as his PRIDE walkout song. Just minutes into his bout with Ryan Bader, as he was pressed against the cage, it was clear that he was battling an opponent whose wrestling prowess promised to stifle whatever energy he’d hoped to bring to Saitama Super Arena. What’s worse, he must have known that there was little he could do about it. Overweight and under-trained, this was the worst Rampage we’ve seen to date. As the second round kicked off he looked slow, sluggish, and outgunned. And that’s when it happened. As Bader delivered a knee toward his head, Rampage caught the leg and scooped him up for a brutal slam. No, it wasn’t as high nor as swift as we’ve seen in the past, but for a man desperately hoping to thrill his fans it was an important moment, and moments like that are hard to come by. Bader was wobbled, but while the effects of the [pretty much illegal] slam were fleeting, Rampage had delivered what was unquestionably the most memorable action in the bout.

Unfortunately for the former Light Heavyweight Champion, that highlight would be his first and last. Bader quickly regained his composure and with it control of the fight. It was a dominant performance that scored him an obvious unanimous decision. Rampage cites a knee injury in training as the reason for his lack of preparation, and while his love of fighting has certainly waned in recent years I’m inclined to believe him. His assertion that he looked better than ever prior to the injury, probably not. At the end of the day, it was a very disappointing performance from Rampage and a notable victory for Bader. The former TUF’er notched a big win against a legend of the sport, and he did so on an important stage.

Before we begin quarreling about the outcome of the main event, let’s all do ourselves a favor and go watch the fight again. Not to see who scored more takedowns in round two, not to count who landed more significant strikes in round four, but to enjoy a damn good fight. In the latest installment of back-and-forth Lightweight title fights, Frankie Edgar showed the heart and determination that earned him the belt in the first place. Those disappointed that he didn’t survive a near-death experience in round 1 got their wish as the second frame wound down. A perfectly placed up-kick dropped the champion, opening his nose like a spigot. But it wouldn’t be a Frankie Edgar fight if he didn’t prove his mettle, and “The Answer” proved once again that he doesn’t have an ‘off switch’, only a ‘reset button’. The champ battled back and looked no worse for wear in rounds 3-5 (aside from his battered face, of course), but at the end of the fight the scorecards didn’t add up in his favor.

For those of you upset at the decision, of whom there are undoubtedly many, take comfort in the fact that Benson Henderson fought like a champion last night. While you may not agree with the judges’ tally, there can’t be any disappointment in having a champion that performs like he does. Henderson exhibited powerful, dynamic striking from the opening bell and he never stopped moving forward. He brought the fight to Frankie standing up and on the ground and was fighting for the finish; it’s not his fault that Edgar can’t be put away. Both men fought beyond expectations and together they earned the $65k “Fight of the Night” bonus.

Edgar’s reign was hallmarked by closely contested battles and instant rematches, and that streak shouldn’t end now. You can argue who won but you can’t argue that it was close, and if anyone deserves a chance to win back his belt it’s Edgar. Dana seems to be leaning toward a different rematch for Henderson in the form of Anthony Pettis. That bout too has an interesting storyline and would yield a night full of fireworks. Either way, the fans will be treated to a blockbuster fight between two competitors that go for broke. If the Japanese fans taught us anything last night, it’s that there’s little else we could ask for.

 


– Chris Colemon

 

UFC 144 Results: Tim Boetsch Defeats Yushin Okami by Round 3 TKO

In one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening at UFC 144, Japan’s own Yushin Okami entered the Octagon coming off his most recent defeat to Anderson Silva in a championship bout at UFC 134.Okami stood across the Octagon from former light heavywei…

In one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening at UFC 144, Japan’s own Yushin Okami entered the Octagon coming off his most recent defeat to Anderson Silva in a championship bout at UFC 134.

Okami stood across the Octagon from former light heavyweight Tim Boetsch, who was yet to be defeated in the middleweight division.

Boetsch’s winning streak was in jeopardy early, as he was picked apart by the well-rounded Okami.

“The Barbarian” endured cuts under both eyes from straight jabs, but continued to plunge away.

Despite Boetsch landing several leg kicks in the opening frame, Okami stole Round 1 on the judge’s scorecards and picked up steam heading into the second round.

Okami eventually put Boetsch on his back and began to tee off through a series of strikes and elbows.

However, Boetsch would continue to remain in the fight and was saved by the bell as action was headed to the third and final round.

Boetsch gained life during the one-minute break as he appeared to be a man on a mission, attacking Okami with an overhand right to begin Round 3.

Okami was pushed up against the cage as Boetsch began to unload with a variety of kicks and strikes.

After three uppercuts, Okami fell to the Octagon floor as his opponent began to tee off en route to one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history.

The bout was stopped just 54 seconds into the third round, declaring Boetsch the victor via technical knockout.

Boetsch has now won three consecutive bouts at the middleweight division, while Okami has been felled in his last two fights.

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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UFC 144 Results: Did Joe Rogan Disrespect Frankie Edgar?

Since being declared the UFC lightweight champion over BJ Penn at UFC 112, Frankie Edgar has always been questioned and considered the underdog due to his size.However, Edgar has proven his size to be just another number as his heart often outweighs an…

Since being declared the UFC lightweight champion over BJ Penn at UFC 112, Frankie Edgar has always been questioned and considered the underdog due to his size.

However, Edgar has proven his size to be just another number as his heart often outweighs any type of advantage his opponent may have.

In fact, Edgar’s heart as allowed many fans to fall in love with his tough-minded, never give-up attitude over the years.

Even in the lowest of lows, Edgar has found a way to win.

After two impressive performances over Penn, “The Answer” moved on to fellow lightweight Gray Maynard, who gave him the test of his life.

But Edgar continued to come out on top as he found a way to win.

After getting revenge on the only loss of his mixed martial arts career, it was announced that Edgar would be taking on No. 1 contender Benson Henderson at UFC 144.

When action began, it was Edgar who scored points on the judge’s scorecards through his aggressive and upbeat style of pace.

But, Henderson would eventually take control of the fight, landing several grueling body kicks.

The never-quit heart of Edgar’s was present once again as he continue to battle through a swollen left eye en route to out-striking Henderson 124-114 and winning the takedown battle 7-2.

However, Henderson was able to land more significant strikes, ultimately allowing him to escape Saitama, Japan, as the new 155-pound champion.

Following his first loss in nearly four years, Edgar joined UFC color commentator Joe Rogan for his post-fight interview.

Instead of focusing on the fight at hand, Rogan chose to discuss Edgar’s future in the lightweight division.

Rogan presented the option of dropping to the featherweight division after Edgar has spent his entire career fighting at 155 pounds.

Not only has Edgar spent his days at the lightweight division but he’s done it well, winning nine of his 12 career bouts inside the Octagon.

If Edgar chooses to make the move to the 145-pound weight division, that will be his own decision.

But until then, no one, including Joe Rogan, should question the former champion, as he’s accomplished more than most could ever dream of.

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

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UFC 144: Tim Boetsch Continues Strong Route to UFC Glory

The Americans took Japan by storm at UFC 144, and one American who looked incredibly good was Tim Boetsch as he took down Yushin Okami in a third-round knockout.This was Boetsch’s fifth fight with the UFC since his return, as well as his first defeat b…

The Americans took Japan by storm at UFC 144, and one American who looked incredibly good was Tim Boetsch as he took down Yushin Okami in a third-round knockout.

This was Boetsch’s fifth fight with the UFC since his return, as well as his first defeat by knockout. He is looking better and better with each fight he has gone into.

This was a convincing statement for Boetsch with the UFC, and he is becoming quite an exciting fighter to watch.

It will remain to be seen how he will fair against better competition, but the former light heavyweight definitely packs a punch that can take these middleweight fighters out early.

Boetsch looks much better than he did his first time around in the UFC, but he was fighting in the light heavyweight division. He did win two of his four fights, but was later released after he fell to Jason Brilz at UFC 96.

Now, he is looking much better fighting at this lower weight class, and he could perhaps take it by storm rather soon.

He is on the older side at 31 years of age, but with three consecutive wins under his belt, Boetsch is definitely in line to get a big-time fight rather soon.

With his three-round victory over the UFC veteran, it is becoming quite clear that Boetsch deserves his shot at a better ranked fighter in the middleweight division.

If he can get that opportunity, expect him to take advantage of the opportunity and make some serious noise in his new weight class.

 

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase

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UFC Results: Recap of All the UFC 144 Preliminary Card Fights

The UFC 144 preliminary fights undoubtedly served as enticing appetizers for the sizzling main events, with three tiffs resulting in resoundingly strong finishes.All fight cards featured Japanese fighters facing opponents from three continents. Asia wa…

The UFC 144 preliminary fights undoubtedly served as enticing appetizers for the sizzling main events, with three tiffs resulting in resoundingly strong finishes.

All fight cards featured Japanese fighters facing opponents from three continents. Asia was represented—aside from the host fighters—by China’s Zhang Tiequan, America offered Chris Cariaso and Steve Cantwell, and Europe saw action courtesy of England’s Vaughan Lee.

The last two fights featured the two “kid” legends of Japanese MMA, with Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto facing Lee and Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi confronting compatriot Eiji Mitsuoka.

First to light up the fireworks, UFC debuting fighter Issei Tamura put his Chinese challenger Zhang to sleep via KO with a punch at 0:32 of the second round.

Next up was a close scrap between Japan’s Takeya Mizugaki and the United States’ Chris Cariaso, with the American eking out a close unanimous-decision win.

The third fight of the night reached another decision after three rounds, but this time it was far from close. Riki Fukuda was utterly dominant in convincing the judges, handing Steve Cantwell a severe beatdown and his fifth consecutive loss.

The penultimate preliminary fight saw MMA legend Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto suffer an upset loss in the grip of comparatively less-known Vaughan Lee of England.

After a strong start landing heavy strikes, Yamamoto got rocked by a knee to the head and eventually succumbed to an armbar with only 31 seconds left in the first round.

Yamamoto dangerously slumped on the brink of his UFC career, with his third straight loss starting with his debut in the world’s premier MMA organization. This is also his fifth loss in his last six fights.

Finally, for the main event of the appetizers, Takanori Gomi survived a scare late in the first round and finished game opponent Eiji Mitsuoka by TKO in the second.

In the first stanza, both fighters traded strikes, but the second half saw Mitsuoka pressure Gomi against the cage, hitting the established star with short but powerful punches.

Then, Mitsuoka fired a counter-right hand that buckled Gomi’s legs, giving the challenger the chance to secure the back of “The Fireball Kid” with 30 seconds left.

Mitsuoka squeezed high on Gomi’s back and positioned for a reverse triangle choke. Gomi gutsily defended from deep trouble and managed to surface and survive the round.

In the second round, with Mitsuoka noticeably spent after getting frustrated in forcing a finish in the first, Gomi’s corner goaded The Fireball Kid to bring on the heat. Gomi did just that and fired away with powerful punches and knees.

Gomi battered Mitsuoka until the latter wilted and turned turtle against the cage, leaving the right side of his head vulnerable to the PRIDE FC legend’s right-fist bombardment. Finally, referee Leon Roberts was mercifully compelled to halt the punishment, awarding Gomi the TKO victory.

The prelims ended with contrasting results for the two Japanese MMA legends, with Yamamoto walking away dejected while afterwards, Gomi proudly and ecstatically announced that he’s back on track.

Excluding the last preliminary fight for its Japan vs. Japan affair, the previous fights saw Team Japan tie Team International with two wins and two losses each.

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